Kremlin: Putin Invited to Join Trump’s “Board of Peace” for Gaza
In a move that could redraw Middle East diplomacy, former US President Donald Trump has formally invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to join a newly proposed “Board of Peace” aimed at overseeing Gaza’s ceasefire and reconstruction. The Kremlin confirmed receipt of the invitation, stating it is under careful review, amid widespread international debate over the controversial initiative.
Inside Trump’s Gaza “Board of Peace” Plan
Announced as part of a broader 20-point Gaza strategy, the “Board of Peace” is envisioned as an international body to manage post-conflict transition. Chaired by Trump himself, the board’s stated goals include enforcing a ceasefire, facilitating the disarmament of Hamas, and coordinating large-scale reconstruction. The plan explicitly bypasses traditional United Nations frameworks, proposing a new model of great-power diplomacy.
Who’s on the List? A High-Profile Roster
The board’s proposed composition is a mix of Western figures and global leaders:
Chair: Donald Trump
Key Members: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former UK PM Tony Blair, and Trump senior adviser Jared Kushner.
Invited Leaders: Alongside Putin, invitations have reportedly been extended to ~60 nations, including Turkish President Erdoğan, Egyptian President Sisi, Indian PM Modi, and Brazilian President Lula. Kazakhstan’s President has already accepted.
The board plans to launch formally at the World Economic Forum in Davos, with separate executive boards for governance and Gaza-specific reconstruction.
Kremlin’s Cautious Stance and Geopolitical Calculus
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Moscow is “studying the proposal” and seeking clarifications from Washington. Russia’s cautious interest stems from a strategic desire to maintain its influential role in Middle Eastern geopolitics, despite its isolation over the Ukraine war. Acceptance would signal a potential diplomatic rehabilitation and a seat at a new table shaping Gaza’s future.
Global Reactions: Skepticism and Strategic Concerns
The initiative has triggered mixed global reactions:
Criticism: Major concerns center on the lack of direct Palestinian representation, potential undermining of the UN’s role, and reports that permanent membership may require large financial contributions, which critics say could commercialize peacebuilding.
Strategic Interest: Some nations view it as a pragmatic, alternative mechanism to break the current diplomatic deadlock, leveraging Trump’s influence and bypassing bureaucratic hurdles.
Implications for Middle East Diplomacy
Putin’s potential participation is the most geopolitically charged element. It would place a leader under Western sanctions for the Ukraine war at the heart of a major Western-backed peace initiative, creating a complex diplomatic paradox. Furthermore, the board’s structure—heavy on powerful states and light on regional Palestinian voices—risks being perceived as an externally imposed solution.
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The Road Ahead: Davos and Decisions
All eyes are now on the upcoming Davos meeting for the board’s launch. The key questions are whether Putin will accept after Russia’s review, how many other invited leaders will join, and whether the board can establish legitimacy without UN endorsement or inclusive Palestinian dialogue. This unconventional move underscores a shift towards personalized, great-power-led diplomacy, setting the stage for a new chapter in the intractable Gaza conflict.
